JP2014096865A - Control device and energy management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device and an energy management system, capable of highly efficiently operating a system including a solar cell.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a control device for controlling a system including a solar cell and a converter which converts power generated by the solar cell comprises calendar processing means and control instruction means. The calendar processing means acquires calendar information about an installation location of the solar cell. The control instruction means controls on/off of power supply to the converter on the basis of the calendar information acquired by the calendar processing means.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a control device and an energy management system.

  In recent years, renewable energy sources such as solar cells (solar power generation), wind power generation, and geothermal power generation are becoming widely used in general households as distributed power sources. For example, since the power generation state of solar cells depends greatly on natural conditions such as the weather, a combination of a power storage device such as a storage battery or EV, a power generation device such as a fuel cell, and a system supplied with power from an electric power company Technology development of an energy management system is underway. In such an energy management system, in order to operate efficiently, it is a subject to reduce the power consumption by the power supply for operation | movement for controlling an electric power generating apparatus or an electrical storage apparatus.

JP 2012-50236 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a control device and an energy management system that can efficiently operate electric power.

  According to the embodiment, the control device is a control device for a system including a solar cell and a converter that converts electric power generated by the solar cell, and includes a calendar processing unit and a control instruction unit. The history processing means acquires calendar information at the installation location of the solar cell. The control instruction means controls on / off of power supply to the converter based on the calendar information acquired by the calendar processing means.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a calendar reference value DB according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the calendar reference value DB according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of operation control in the energy management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the position information acquisition process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a new acquisition process of position information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the energy management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the schedule setting process in the energy management system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between the amount of power generated by the solar battery according to the third embodiment and the power consumption of the converter. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the altitude of the installation location of the solar cell according to the fourth embodiment and the power generation amount. FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of position information acquisition processing according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a new acquisition process of position information according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an installation environment of the solar cell according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of position information acquisition processing according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of new position information acquisition processing according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation control schedule for the energy management system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the eighth embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the first embodiment.
The energy management system according to the first embodiment includes a solar cell 11, a converter 12, a load 13, a system 14, a power source 15, and a control unit 16A.

  The solar cell 11 is a solar power generation device that generates electric power by converting sunlight into electric power. The solar cell 11 has a panel composed of a photoelectric converter and the like. The panel of the solar cell 11 is installed so as to receive light such as sunlight. The solar cell 11 generates electric power by converting light received by a photoelectric converter provided on the panel into electric power. Further, the power generated by the solar cell 11 is DC power.

  The converter 12 is a device that converts electric power. The converter 12 is, for example, a device (DC / AC converter) that converts direct current power into alternating current power or converts alternating current power into direct current power. Moreover, the converter 12 may be a device (DC / DC converter) that converts DC power into DC power for power adjustment. Moreover, the converter 12 may be configured by combining a plurality of converters.

  The load 13 is a device that consumes electric power (energy) supplied by the energy management system. That is, the load 13 is a device that operates with the power supplied by the energy management system. The load 13 is, for example, an electric device such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, and an air conditioner that is present in the house, and is generally a device that operates with AC power supplied from the system 14.

  The grid | system 14 transmits / receives electric power between electric power companies. For example, electric power supplied from an electric power company is supplied from the grid 14 to the energy management system. Moreover, when surplus power is sent to the electric power company among the power generated by the solar cell 11 (when power is reversely flowed from the solar cell 11 for power sale), the power generated by the solar cell 11 is converted to the converter 12 or the like. The power is transmitted to the grid 14 through the grid 14 and transmitted from the grid 14 to the power company.

  The power supply 15 is a power supply device that functions as an operation power supply for operating (controlling) each unit. For example, the power supply 15 supplies power for operation to the converter 12 or the control unit 16A. The power supply 15 supplies power supplied from a power supply such as the grid 14, the solar battery 11, or another power storage device to each unit as power supply power for operation.

  The control unit 16A is a device that controls the energy management system. The control unit 16A executes operation control of each unit or various arithmetic processes. The control unit 16A includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, various memories, and various interfaces. The control unit 16A can realize various processes by executing a program stored in the memory by the processor. Further, the control unit 16A may be realized as a function in the converter 12.

Next, the function of the control unit 16A in the system according to the first embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 16A includes a position information acquisition unit 21, a calendar processing unit 22, a calendar reference value DB 23, a schedule generation unit 24, a control instruction unit 25, a clock 26, and the like as functions.

  The position information acquisition unit 21 acquires position information indicating the installation location of the solar cell 11 (installation location of the panel of the solar cell 11). For example, the position information acquisition unit 21 acquires latitude and longitude information as position information indicating the installation position of the solar cell. The position information acquisition unit 21 has a function of storing position information. The position information acquisition unit 21 acquires position information from an input device such as a keyboard, a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone, or a computer capable of network communication. For example, when the solar cell 11 is installed, the position information acquisition unit 21 may acquire position information input by a maintenance person or a user using an input device such as a keyboard. The location information acquisition unit 21 may acquire location information from a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone having a GPS function operated by a maintenance staff or a user, or a computer such as an Internet terminal may be connected to a network. The position information acquired using the map information may be acquired.

  The calendar processing unit 22 uses the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 21 to calculate calendar information as time information indicating the time at which the panel of the solar cell 11 receives light at the installation location of the solar cell 11. . In the first embodiment, the calendar processing unit 22 calculates the sunrise time and sunset time at the place where the solar cell 11 is installed as calendar information. The calendar processing unit 22 may perform history information (sunrise and sunset time) on the position information of the installation location of the solar cell 11 by advanced calculation related to the calendar. In the present embodiment, the calendar processing unit 22 calculates calendar information with reference to the calendar reference value DB 23 as a process of calculating calendar information.

  The calendar reference value DB 23 may store the sunrise time and the sunset time (calendar information) for each date in the reference location as reference value information, or group the installation locations for a plurality of regions. It is also possible to store the sunrise time and sunset time for each date in each converted area.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a calendar reference value DB 23a that stores calendar information at a reference location as reference value information. In the case of the calendar reference value DB 23a as shown in FIG. 2, the calendar processing unit 22 uses the positional information (longitude and latitude) of the reference location stored in the calendar reference value DB 23a as reference value information and the position information acquisition unit 21. The difference with the positional information (longitude and latitude) at the installation location of the actual solar cell 11 to be acquired is calculated. The calendar processing unit 22 calculates the difference between the sunrise time and the sunset time between the reference location and the installation location according to the difference in the position information (longitude and latitude) between the calculated reference location and the installation location. The calendar processing unit 22 adds or subtracts the difference between the calculated reference location and the installation location with respect to the sunrise time and sunset time at the reference location, and the sunrise time and date at the actual installation location of the solar cell 11 Is calculated, and the calculation result is output as calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) of the place where the solar cell 11 is installed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a calendar reference value DB 23b that stores calendar information for each of a plurality of regions. In the case of the calendar reference value DB 23b as shown in FIG. 3, the calendar processing unit 22 registers the actual installation location of the solar cell 11 in the calendar reference value DB 23b based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 21. Determine which region (group) it belongs to. When determining the region to which the installation location of the solar cell 11 belongs, the calendar processing unit 22 reads the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) in the region, and uses the read calendar information as the calendar in the installation location of the solar cell 11. It is determined as information, and the determination result is output as calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) of the installation location of the solar cell 11.

  The schedule generation unit 24 generates an operation control schedule (also referred to as an operation schedule) of the energy management system based on the calendar information indicating the sunrise and sunset times at the set location of the solar cell 11 calculated by the calendar processing unit 22. Generate. The operation schedule is, for example, information including a time when the supply of power for operation to the converter 12 is turned on / off. In the system according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the schedule generation unit 24 turns on the power to the converter 12 at the sunrise time when the solar cell 11 is in the power generation state, and goes to the converter 12 at the sunset time. It is assumed that an operation schedule for turning off the power is generated.

  The control instruction unit 25 compares the operation schedule generated by the schedule generation unit 24 with the current time measured by the clock 26, and outputs a control instruction according to the operation schedule. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the control instruction unit 25 outputs a control signal (control signal instructing switching between standby / return) to instruct the converter 12 to turn on / off the power supply.

  For example, it is assumed that the schedule generation unit 24 generates a schedule for turning on / off the power supply to the converter 12 according to the sunrise time and sunset time at the place where the solar cell 11 is installed. Then, when the control instruction unit 25 determines that the current time measured by the clock 26 is the sunrise time of the calendar information, the control instruction unit 25 determines that the solar cell 11 is in a state capable of generating power and supplies power to the converter 12. A control signal for turning on (returning) the supply is output. When the control instruction unit 25 outputs a control signal for turning on the power supply to the converter 12, the converter 12 is activated when the power supply from the power supply 15 is turned on and the return process is executed.

  Also, if the control instruction unit 25 determines that the current time measured by the clock 26 is the sunset time of the calendar information, the control instruction unit 25 determines that there is no power generation by the solar cell 11 and supplies power to the converter 12. A control signal for turning off the supply is output. When the control instruction unit 25 outputs a control signal for turning off (standby) the power supply to the converter 12, the converter 12 is turned off (standby) by the power supply from the power supply 15.

  According to the energy management system having the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the on / off operation power supply to devices such as exchangers is controlled in accordance with the sunshine hours at the solar cell installation location. Thereby, without monitoring the power generation state by the solar cell, it is possible to reduce the supply of operating power to the exchanger, and it is possible to reduce the power consumption required for the power generation state monitoring function and the like. As a result, it is possible to increase the amount of power (amount of power sold) to be reversed from the solar cell to the system, or to reduce the amount of power (amount of power purchased) supplied from the system. In addition, it is possible to efficiently supply power to the load even in independent operation such as when power supply from the system is stopped (during power failure).

Next, a control flow in the energy management system according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of operation control in the energy management system.
First, at the time of starting or resetting the energy management system, the control unit 16A performs initialization processing such as starting the control program and checking the operation of each unit (step S11).

  When the initialization process is performed, the control unit 16A performs a schedule setting process for setting a schedule for operation control (step S12). The control unit 16A executes a schedule setting process for setting a schedule indicating a time at which an on / off state of power supply from the power supply 15 to the converter 12 is switched. The operation schedule setting process will be described later in detail.

  When the schedule is set, the control unit 16A starts operation control based on the set schedule (step S13). When the operation control based on the schedule is started, the control unit 16A determines whether or not it is time to turn on the power supply to the converter 12 (step S14). For example, if the operation schedule is to turn on the power supply to the converter 12 at sunrise, the control unit 16A determines whether the current time measured by the clock 26 is the sunrise time set in the operation schedule. It is determined whether or not the power supply to the is turned on. If it is determined that it is time to turn on the power supply to the converter 12, the control unit 16A outputs a control instruction to turn on the power supply to the converter 12 (step S15).

  Further, the control unit 16A determines whether or not it is time to turn off the power supply to the converter 12 (step S16). If the operation schedule is to turn off the power supply to the converter 12 with the sunset, the control unit 16A converts the current time measured by the clock 26 according to whether or not the sunset time set in the operation schedule is reached. It is determined whether or not the power supply to the device 12 is turned off. When it is determined that it is time to turn off the power supply to the converter 12, the control unit 16A outputs a control instruction to turn off the power supply to the converter 12 (step S17).

  Moreover, you may set a schedule also about an event other than the power supply control with respect to the converter 12 in an operation schedule. The control unit 16A determines whether an event other than the power supply control for the converter 12 should be executed based on the operation schedule (step S18). If it is determined that the event should be executed (step S18, YES), the control unit 16A executes the event determined to be executed (step S19).

  Further, the control unit 16A monitors whether or not to stop the operation while performing the operation control (step S20). Until it is determined that the operation is to be stopped (step S20, NO), the control unit 16A continuously performs the operation control based on the operation schedule of steps S14 to S20. If it is determined that the operation is to be stopped (step S20, YES), the controller 16A ends the operation of the system (step S21).

Next, schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the first embodiment.
In the schedule setting process for operation control, the control unit 16A determines whether or not a schedule needs to be newly generated by the schedule generation unit 24 (step S31). For example, the control unit 16A determines that the generation of the schedule is not necessary when the generated schedule that can be operated is stored in the memory 24a of the schedule generation unit 24. If the operable schedule is not stored, the control unit 16A determines that the schedule needs to be generated. In addition, the control unit 16A generates a schedule when the installation position of the solar cell 11 is changed, when the calendar reference value DB is updated, or when an operator instructs to reset the schedule. You may make it judge that it is necessary to do.

  When the schedule is already stored in the memory 24a (step S31, NO), the control unit 16A reads the existing schedule by the schedule generation unit 24 (step S32). When the schedule is read, the control unit 16A checks whether there is any abnormality in the read schedule (step S33). If there is no abnormality in the read schedule, the control unit 16A sets the schedule read by the schedule generation unit 24 as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S38), and ends the schedule setting process.

  When it is determined that the schedule is to be generated (step S31, YES), the control unit 16A performs position information acquisition processing for acquiring position information indicating the installation location of the solar cell 11 by the position information acquisition unit 21 (step S34). . Here, the position information acquisition unit 21 acquires longitude and latitude as position information indicating the installation location of the solar cell 11 (installation location of the panel of the solar cell 11). The position information acquisition process will be described later in detail.

  When the position information is acquired by the position information acquisition unit 21, the control unit 16A reads the reference value information of the calendar information from the calendar reference value DB 23 by the calendar processing unit 22 (step S35). For example, if the calendar reference value DB 23 is the calendar reference value DB 23a as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 16A acquires the calendar information at the reference location as the reference value information. If the calendar reference value DB 23 is the calendar reference value DB 23b as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 16A reads the reference value information corresponding to the area including the installation location of the solar cell 11.

  When the reference value information is read from the reference value DB 23, the control unit 16A performs a calendar process in which the calendar processing unit 22 calculates calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) at the installation location of the solar cell 11 (step S36). . When the calendar processing unit 22 calculates the calendar information at the place where the solar cell 11 is installed, the control unit 16A generates a schedule based on the calendar information by the schedule generation unit 24 (step S37).

  In the system according to the first embodiment, the schedule generation unit 24 turns on the power supply to the converter 12 at the sunrise time as calendar information, and turns off the power supply to the converter 12 at the sunset time. Such a schedule for operation control is generated. When the schedule based on the calendar information is generated, the schedule generation unit 24 sets the generated schedule as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S38).

Next, the position information acquisition process by the position information acquisition unit 21 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the position information acquisition process.
In the position information acquisition process, the control unit 16A determines whether or not the position information acquisition unit 21 needs to newly acquire position information (step S41). For example, when position information indicating the set location of the solar battery 11 is stored in the memory 21a, the control unit 16A determines that it is not necessary to newly acquire position information. Moreover, when position information is not preserve | saved, 16 A of control parts judge that it is necessary to acquire the position information which shows the installation place of the solar cell 11 newly. Further, when there is a change in the installation location of the solar cell 11 or when the operator instructs to reset the position information, the control unit 16A determines that it is necessary to newly acquire the position information. You may do it.

  When it is determined that position information is newly acquired (step S41, YES), the control unit 16A performs a process (new acquisition process) in which the position information acquisition unit 21 newly acquires position information (step S42). For example, the position information acquisition unit 21 newly acquires position information indicating the installation location of the solar cell by a new acquisition process, and stores the acquired position information in the memory 21a. The new acquisition process will be described later in detail.

  When the position information is already stored (step S41, NO), or when the position information is newly acquired by the new acquisition process, the control unit 16A reads the position information stored in the memory 21a (step S43). . When the position information is read, the control unit 16A performs an abnormality check process for checking whether or not the read position information is abnormal (step S44). For example, in the abnormality check process, it is checked whether or not the read position information is an appropriate value that falls within a predetermined range.

  When it is determined that there is no abnormality in the read position information (step S44, YES), the control unit 16A sets the position information read by the position information acquisition unit 21 as position information indicating the installation location of the solar cell 11 ( Step S45). If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the read position information (step S44, NO), the control unit 16A returns to step S42, and again executes a process for acquiring new position information.

Next, position information new acquisition processing by the position information acquisition unit 21 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of new acquisition processing of position information.
In the new position information acquisition process, the control unit 16A selects a device for inputting position information (step S51). The input device for inputting the position information is selected according to the user's selection, and may be any device having an interface connectable to the control unit 16A.

  For example, as an input device for inputting position information, there are devices such as a keyboard, a numeric keypad, and a touch panel as devices for an operator to directly input position information. In addition, as a device for inputting position information, there is a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone as a device for inputting position information acquired by a GPS function (position detection function). Further, as a device for inputting position information, there is a network terminal device or the like as a device for inputting position information based on map information on a network.

  The control unit 16A receives position information input from the selected input device (step S52). In this state, the control unit 16A acquires the position information input from the selected input device by the position information acquisition unit 21 (step S53), and stores the acquired position information in the memory 21a (step S54).

  According to the energy management system of the first embodiment as described above, the power supply for operation is supplied to the converter according to the sunshine hours (sunrise time and sunset time) depending on the installation location of the solar cell. ON / OFF control. As a result, according to the energy management system of the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption in the converter in a time zone where the solar cell does not generate power without using a measuring device such as a sensor. Power management.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the energy management system according to the second embodiment.
The energy management system according to the second embodiment includes a solar cell 11, a converter 12, a load 13, a system 14, a power supply 15, a control unit 16B, a power supply control unit 31, a clock 32, and the like. The solar cell 11, the converter 12, the load 13, the system 14, and the power supply 15 may be the same as those described as the first embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 8, a power supply control unit 31 is connected to the control unit 16 </ b> B, and a clock 32 is connected to the power supply control unit 31.
The control unit 16B illustrated in FIG. 8 is a device that controls the energy management system, similarly to the control unit 16A illustrated in FIG. The control unit 16B executes operation control of each unit or various arithmetic processes. The control unit 16B includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, various memories, various interfaces, and the like. The control unit 16B can implement various processes by executing a program stored in the memory by the processor. Further, the control unit 16B may be realized as a function in the converter 12.

  In addition, the control unit 16B includes a position information acquisition unit 21, a calendar processing unit 22, a calendar reference value DB 23, a schedule generation unit 24, and a control instruction unit 35 as functions. Since the position information acquisition unit 21, the calendar processing unit 22, the calendar reference value DB 23, and the schedule generation unit 24 may have the same functions as the configuration illustrated in FIG. Such explanation will be omitted.

Similar to the control instruction unit 25, the control instruction unit 35 has a function of performing power control on the converter 12 in accordance with the schedule set by the schedule generation unit 24.
Further, the control instruction unit 35 controls the power on / off of the control unit 16 </ b> B according to the control by the power control unit 31. For example, the control instruction unit 35 may notify the power supply control unit 31 of the schedule information set by the schedule generation unit 24, or the control unit 16B may be turned on / off according to the schedule set by the schedule generation unit 24. Information indicating the time to be used may be notified to the power supply control unit 31.

  In addition, the control instruction unit 35 may control power off to the control unit 16B itself, and the power control unit 31 may control the timing of powering on (restarting) the control unit 16B. . In this case, if the control instruction unit 35 notifies (sets) the power control unit 31 of the time for restarting the control unit 16B before turning off the power of the control unit 16B (while the power is on). good.

The power supply control unit 31 controls on / off of the power supply of the entire control unit 16B. The power supply control unit 31 is a device that operates with lower power consumption than at least the power consumed by the control unit 16B. The clock 32 measures the current time. The clock 32 may be any clock that allows the power supply control unit 31 to check the current time.
For example, the power supply control unit 31 acquires schedule information including the time to turn on and off the power supply of the control unit 16B from the control instruction unit 35, and every time the time counted by the clock 32 becomes the time to turn on and off the power supply of the control unit 16B. A control signal for turning on / off the power supply is output to the control unit 16B.

  Further, the power supply control unit 31 may have a function of starting (powering on) the control unit 16B whose power is off. In this case, the power supply control unit 31 acquires time information for turning on (restarting) the power of the control unit 16B from the control instruction unit 35, and the time counted by the clock 32 is the time for turning off the power of the control unit 16B. A control signal for turning on the power to the control unit 16B is output.

Next, a control flow in the energy management system according to the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of operation control in the energy management system according to the second embodiment.
First, in a state where the power is off, the control unit 16B is in a state (standby state) where it can receive a control signal for instructing power on from the power control unit 31 (step S61). When receiving a control signal for instructing power-on from the power supply control unit 31 (step S61, YES), the control unit 16B turns on the power supply for operation from the power supply 15 (step S62). When power supply from the power supply 15 is started, the control unit 16B performs initialization processing such as activation of a control program and operation check of each unit (step S63).

  When the initialization process is performed, the control unit 16B performs the position information acquisition unit 21 and the operation schedule setting process (step S64). The control unit 16B executes a schedule setting process for setting an operation schedule indicating a time at which an on / off state of power supply from the power supply 15 to the converter 12 is switched. As the schedule setting process, the process shown in FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment can be applied. However, in the second embodiment, as the schedule, the time for turning on / off the power supply of the entire control unit 16B is also set before and after the power supply to the converter 12 is turned on / off.

  When the operation schedule is set, the control unit 16 starts operation control based on the set operation schedule (step S65). When the operation control based on the operation schedule is started, the control unit 16 determines whether or not it is time to turn on the power supply to the converter 12 (step S66).

  For example, if the operation schedule is to turn on the power supply to the converter 12 at sunrise, the control unit 16B itself is activated at the sunrise time (or may be just before the sunrise time). Thereby, the control unit 16B determines whether or not to turn on the power supply to the converter 12 based on whether or not the current time measured by the clock 32 is the sunrise time set in the operation schedule. Further, when the time when the control unit 16B itself starts is the sunrise time, the control unit 16B may determine that the control unit 16B is started and that the power supply to the converter 12 is turned on.

When it is determined that the power supply to the converter 12 is turned on (YES in step S66), the control unit 16B issues a control instruction to turn on the power supply to the converter 12 (step S67).
Further, the control unit 16B determines whether or not it is time to turn off the power supply to the converter 12 (step S68). For example, if the operation schedule is to turn off the power supply to the converter 12 with the sunset, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the current time counted by the clock 32 is the sunset time set in the operation schedule. Thus, it is determined whether or not the power supply to the converter 12 is turned off.

  Further, the power supply control unit 31 may determine whether the power is off. For example, when the operation schedule is such that the power supply to the converter 12 is turned off and the power supply to the control unit 16B is also turned off, the power supply control unit 31 may determine that the converter 12 and the control unit 16B are turned off. good. In this case, the power supply control unit 31 determines whether to turn off the power supply based on whether the current time measured by the clock 32 is the sunset time. When it is determined that the power is to be turned off, the power control unit 31 supplies a control signal for turning off the power supply to the control unit 16B. Then, the control unit 16B may determine to turn off the converter 12 and its own power supply in response to a control signal to turn off the power from the power supply control unit 31.

  While the power supply to the converter 12 is on, that is, until the power of the converter 12 is turned off (step S68, NO), the control unit 16B performs various events other than the power control to the converter 12. Also, an event to be executed is determined based on the operation schedule while referring to the current time measured by the clock 32 (step S69). When it is determined that an event should be executed (step S69, YES), the control unit 16B executes the event determined to be executed as needed (step S70).

  Further, the control unit 16B monitors whether or not to stop the operation while performing the operation control (step S71). Until it is determined that the operation is to be stopped (NO in step S71), the control unit 16B continuously performs the operation control based on the operation schedule in steps S66 to S71. When it is determined that the operation is to be stopped (step S71, YES), the control unit 16 ends the operation of the system (step S72).

  Further, when it is determined that the power supply to the converter 12 is turned off, that is, when it is determined that the current time is the sunset time (step S68, YES), the control unit 16B supplies the power to the converter 12. A control instruction to turn off is output (step S73). When the control unit 16B outputs a control instruction to turn off the power supply to the converter 12, the control unit 16B sets the time (ie, the control time) at which the control unit 16B should be restarted after putting itself in the standby state (power supply off). The time at which the power supply to the unit 16B is turned on is calculated (step S74). For example, the control unit 16B calculates the time to restart (the time when the power supply to the control unit 16B is turned on) as a predetermined time before the time when the converter 12 is next turned on (the next sunrise time). Further, the time to restart (the time to turn on the power supply to the control unit 16B) may be set together with the time to turn on / off the power to the converter 12 as a schedule. In this case, the control unit 16B specifies the time to restart according to the schedule.

  When the time to restart is determined, the control unit 16B notifies (sets) the time to restart to the power supply control unit 31 (step S75). When the time to restart is notified to the power supply control unit 31, the control unit 16B performs a process of turning off the power supply from the power supply 15 to itself (a process of shifting to a standby state) (step S76). For example, the control unit 16B turns off the power supply from the power supply 15 to itself in response to the notification of the completion of the setting of the restart time from the power supply control unit 31 or the power-off control signal from the power supply control unit 31. In a state where the power supply from the power supply 15 to the control unit 16B is turned off (standby state), the control unit 16B returns to step S61 so that it can receive a control signal from the power supply control unit 31 to turn on (return) the power supply. It has become.

  The power supply control unit 31 sets a time (return time) for restarting the control unit 16B based on the notification of the time to restart from the control unit 16B. When the return time is set, the power control unit 31 monitors the current time measured by the clock 32 and monitors whether the current time has reached the restart time. When the current time reaches the restart time, the power supply control unit 31 transmits a control signal for turning on (returning) the power supply from the power supply 15 to the control unit 16B. Thus, the control unit 16B can be turned on and restarted (returned) by receiving a control signal from the power supply control unit 31.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, on / off of the power supply for operation supplied to not only the converter but also the control unit itself is controlled according to a schedule based on sunrise and sunset. Thereby, in the time zone when the solar cell does not generate power, such as at night, the power consumed by the control device can be reduced, and the system can be operated efficiently.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the third embodiment.
The energy management system according to the third embodiment includes a solar cell 11, a converter 12, a load 13, a system 14, a power supply 15, and a control unit 16C. The solar cell 11, the converter 12, the load 13, the system 14, and the power supply 15 may be the same as those described as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10, parts that can be configured by the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Further, the control unit 16C illustrated in FIG. 10 is a device that controls the energy management system according to the third embodiment. The control unit 16C is configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU, various memories, various interfaces, and the like, similar to the control unit 16A illustrated in FIG. 1, and the processor 16C executes various programs by executing programs stored in the memory. Can be realized. Further, the control unit 16C may be realized as a function in the converter 12.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 16C functions as a position information acquisition unit 21, a calendar processing unit 22, a calendar reference value DB 23, a schedule generation unit 24, a control instruction unit 25, a clock 26, and a time difference. A setting unit 41 is included. Since the position information acquisition unit 21, the calendar processing unit 22, the calendar reference value DB 23, the schedule generation unit 24, the control instruction unit 25, and the clock 26 may have functions similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. The same reference numerals are assigned and detailed description is omitted.

  The time difference setting unit 41 sets the time difference between the time when the power generated by the solar cell 11 becomes an effective amount of power and the sunrise and sunset times. For example, FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the amount of power generated by the solar cell 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the solar cell 11 does not obtain the expected power (effective power amount that can be supplied to the load or the system) with sunrise, but also obtains the effective power amount until the sunset time. Absent. For this reason, the time difference setting unit 41 sets (corrects) a time (time difference) in which the power generated by the solar cell 11 is an effective power amount with respect to the sunrise time and sunset time calculated by the calendar processing unit 22. To do.

  For example, the time difference setting unit 41 calculates a time (power on time) in which the sunrise time is corrected by the time (time difference) from the sunrise time until the power generation of the solar cell 11 becomes an effective amount of power, and the sunset time is calculated. The time (power-off time) corrected by the time (time difference) at which the power generation of the solar cell 11 is no longer effective before the sunset is calculated. In this case, the time difference setting unit 41 supplies the schedule generation unit 24 with information obtained by correcting the sunrise time and sunset time with the time (time difference) at which the power generation by the solar cell 11 is effective. The time difference setting unit 41 also includes the sunrise time, the sunset time, the time from the sunrise until the power generation of the solar cell 11 becomes an effective amount of power (time difference), and the power generation of the solar cell 11 before the sunset. You may make it supply the time (time difference) when it is not effective electric energy to the schedule production | generation part 24. FIG.

  According to the example of FIG. 11, the solar cell 11 cannot generate (supply) effective power until the generated power W2 of the solar cell 11 becomes larger than the power consumption W1 of the converter 12. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the time from the sunrise to W1 ≦ W2 (first time difference) t1 and the time from W1> W2 to the sunset time (second time difference) t2 Meanwhile, the solar cell 11 cannot generate effective power. In this case, the time difference setting unit 41 calculates the time obtained by adding the time t1 to the sunrise time as the power-on time so that the power to the converter 12 is turned on in the time zone where W1 ≦ W2, The time obtained by subtracting the time t2 from the time is calculated as the power-off time. The time difference setting unit 41 schedules a power-on time (sunrise time + t1) in which the sunrise time is corrected by the time t1, and a power-off time (sunset time-t2) in which the sunset time is corrected by the time t2. 24.

  The schedule generation unit 24 generates a schedule based on the power-on time and the power-off time supplied from the time difference setting unit 41. The schedule generation unit 24 may generate a schedule by a method similar to the method of generating a schedule based on the sunrise time and the sunset time described in the first embodiment.

Next, schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the third embodiment.
In the schedule setting process, the control unit 16C determines whether or not it is necessary to newly generate an operation schedule by the schedule generation unit 24 (step S81). For example, when the generated operation schedule that can be operated is stored in the memory 24a of the schedule generation unit 24, the control unit 16C determines that the generation of the schedule is not necessary. In addition, when the operation schedule that can be operated is not stored, the control unit 16C determines that the schedule needs to be generated. In addition, when the installation position of the solar battery 11 is changed, when the calendar reference value DB is updated, or when the operator instructs to reset the operation schedule, the control unit 16C sets the schedule. You may make it judge that it needs to produce | generate.

  When the operation schedule is already stored (step S81, NO), the control unit 16C reads the existing operation schedule stored in the memory 24a of the schedule generation unit 24 (step S82). The schedule generation unit 24 checks whether there is any abnormality in the read operation schedule (step S83). If there is no abnormality in the read operation schedule (step S83, YES), the schedule generation unit 24 sets the read operation schedule as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S90), and ends the schedule setting process.

  When it is determined that a new schedule is to be generated (step S81, YES), or when it is determined that there is a problem with the existing schedule (step S83, NO), the control unit 16C causes the position information acquisition unit 21 to execute the solar cell 11. Position information acquisition processing is performed to acquire position information indicating the installation location (step S84). As the position information acquisition process, the process described in the first embodiment can be applied.

  When the position information acquisition unit 21 acquires the position information, the control unit 16C reads the reference value information of the calendar information from the calendar reference value DB 23 by the calendar processing unit 22 (step S85). When the reference value information is read from the reference value DB 23, the control unit 16 calculates the calendar information (sunrise and sunset time) at the installation location of the solar cell 11 by the calendar processing unit 22 (step S86). The calendar processing unit 22 calculates the sunrise time and sunset time as calendar information at the installation location of the solar cell 11 based on the reference value information.

  When the sunrise time and the sunset time are calculated, the control unit 16C determines that the time difference setting unit 41 makes the power generation by the solar cell 11 effective for the sunrise time and the power generation by the solar cell 11 before sunset. The time t2 at which is no longer valid is determined (step S87). The times t1 and t2 may be fixed values or values that vary depending on the installation environment (installation location, date, etc.). In the former case, the times t1 and t2 may be stored in advance in the time difference setting unit 41 or the like. In the latter case, the times t1 and t2 may be calculated from the reference value stored in the time difference setting unit 41 and information such as the installation location or date.

  When the times t1 and t2 are determined, the control unit 16C corrects the sunrise time and sunset time with the time (time difference) t1 and t2 by the time difference setting unit 41 (step S88). For example, the time difference setting unit 41 calculates the power-on time by correcting the sunrise time with time t1 (calculates sunrise time + t1), and corrects the sunset time with time t2 (calculates sunset time-t2). ) To calculate the power off time.

  When the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) is corrected by the times t1 and t2, the control unit 16C generates a schedule based on the calendar information (power-on time and power-off time) corrected by the schedule generation unit 24 ( Step S89). In the energy management system according to the third embodiment, the schedule generation unit 24 turns on the power supply to the converter 12 at the power-on time in which the sunrise time is corrected by the time t1, and the sunset time is corrected by the time t2. The operation schedule is generated so that the power supply to the converter 12 is turned off at the power-off time. When the schedule is generated, the control unit 16C stores the generated schedule in the memory 24a of the schedule generation unit 24 and sets it as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S90).

  According to the third embodiment as described above, the sunrise time and sunset time at the place where the solar cell is installed are the time t1 when the solar cell generates effective power after sunrise and the solar cell before sunset. The power-on time and the power-off time corrected by the time t2 when the power generation amount becomes ineffective are calculated, and an operation schedule is generated based on the power-on time and the power-off time. As a result, it is possible to perform control such that the power is turned on in a time zone where the power generation by the solar cell is actually an effective power generation amount, and it is possible to realize an efficient operation.

  In addition, the system according to the third embodiment can apply the processing described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment for processing such as operation control and position information acquisition processing other than the schedule setting processing. For example, when the third embodiment is combined with the first embodiment, the power supply to the converter can be controlled on and off based on the schedule generated by the schedule setting process described above. Further, the third embodiment can be implemented in combination with the second embodiment. In this case, on / off of power to not only the converter but also the control unit itself may be controlled based on the schedule generated by the schedule setting process described above.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the fourth embodiment.
The energy management system according to the fourth embodiment includes a solar cell 11, a converter 12, a load 13, a system 14, a power source 15, a control unit 16D, and the like. The solar cell 11, the converter 12, the load 13, the system 14, and the power supply 15 may be the same as those described as the first embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, parts that can be configured with the same components as those in FIG.

  A control unit 16D shown in FIG. 13 is a device that controls the energy management system according to the fourth embodiment. The control unit 16D is configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU, various memories, various interfaces, and the like, similar to the control unit 16A illustrated in FIG. 1, and the processor 16D performs various programs by executing programs stored in the memory. Can be realized. Further, the control unit 16D may be realized as a function in the converter 12.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 16D includes, as functions, a position information acquisition unit 51, a calendar processing unit 52, a calendar reference value DB 23, an altitude DB 53, a schedule generation unit 24, a control instruction unit 25, and a clock 26. Have. Since the calendar reference value DB 23, the schedule generation unit 24, the control instruction unit 25, and the clock 26 may have the same functions as the configuration shown in FIG. Shall be omitted.

  The position information acquisition unit 51 acquires information indicating the altitude (elevation information) in addition to the latitude information and the longitude information for the installation location of the solar cell 11 (installation location of the panel of the solar cell 11). The calendar processing unit 52 calculates the sunrise time and the sunset time in consideration of not only the latitude and longitude but also the altitude at the installation position of the solar cell 11. The sunrise time and sunset time (sunshine time) at the place where the solar cell 11 is installed accurately depend not only on longitude and latitude but also on altitude. For this reason, the calendar processing unit 52 calculates the accuracy of the sunrise time and the sunset time at the installation location of the solar cell by adding the altitude information to the position information based on the longitude and latitude.

  The elevation DB 53 stores a correction value for the sunrise time and the sunset time according to the elevation. Further, the calendar reference value DB 23 and the altitude DB 53 may be combined to constitute a database that can obtain the sunrise time and the sunset time directly from the longitude, latitude, and altitude. In this case, the calendar processing unit 52 may read the sunrise time and sunset time according to the longitude, latitude, and altitude.

  That is, the amount of power generated by the solar cell 11 (the amount of light received by the panel of the solar cell 11) varies depending on the altitude (the altitude including the height of a structure such as a building) where the panel is installed. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the relationship among the altitude, the horizon, and the amount of power generation. In general, as shown in FIG. 14, the power generation amount increases as the altitude increases, and the power generation amount decreases as the altitude decreases. This is because the higher the altitude, the lower the horizon or horizon, so that you can see farther away.

  In FIG. 14, the horizon A and the power generation amount Wa correspond to the altitude A, and the horizon B and the power generation amount Wb correspond to the altitude B. In the example shown in FIG. 14, when the installation position of the solar cell 11 is an altitude A higher than the altitude B, the position of the horizon is a horizon A that is relatively lower than the horizon B. As a result, the solar cell 11 installed at an altitude A higher than the altitude B increases the amount of light received from the solar cell installed at the altitude B (the time for receiving sunlight increases), and the power generation amount Wa is also at an altitude. It becomes larger than the electric power generation amount Wb of the solar cell installed in B. Conversely, the solar cell 11 installed at an altitude B lower than the altitude A has a smaller amount of light received than the solar cell installed at the altitude A (the time for receiving sunlight is shorter), and the power generation amount Wb is also at an altitude. It becomes larger than the power generation amount Wa of the solar cell installed in A.

Next, position information acquisition processing in the energy management system according to the fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of position information acquisition processing in the energy management system according to the fourth embodiment.
In the position information acquisition process, the control unit 16D determines whether or not the position information acquisition unit 51 needs to newly acquire position information (longitude, latitude, and altitude) (step S101). For example, when position information indicating the set location of the solar cell 11 is stored in the memory 51a, the control unit 16D determines that there is no need to newly acquire position information. Moreover, when position information is not preserve | saved, it is judged that control part 16D needs to acquire the position information which shows the installation place of the solar cell 11 newly. Further, when there is a change in the installation location of the solar cell 11 or when the operator instructs to reset the position information, it may be determined that it is necessary to newly acquire the position information. .

  When it is determined that new position information is to be acquired (step S101, YES), the control unit 16D performs a process (new acquisition process) in which the position information acquisition unit 51 acquires new position information (step S102). For example, the position information acquisition unit 51 newly acquires position information indicating the installation location of the solar cell 11 by the new acquisition process, and stores the acquired position information in the memory 51a. The new acquisition process will be described later in detail.

  When the position information is already stored in the memory 51a (step S101, NO), or when the position information is newly acquired by the new acquisition process, the control unit 16D reads the position information stored in the memory 51a ( Step S103). When the position information is read, the control unit 16D performs an abnormality check process for checking whether the read position information is abnormal (step S104). For example, in the abnormality check process, it is checked whether or not the read position information is an appropriate value that falls within a predetermined range.

  When it is determined that there is no abnormality in the read position information (step S104, YES), the control unit 16D sets the read position information as position information indicating the installation location of the solar cell 11 (step S105). When it is determined that the read position information is abnormal (NO in step S104), the control unit 16D returns to step S102, and obtains new position information by the position information acquisition unit 51. Execute.

Next, new position information acquisition processing (new acquisition processing) by the position information acquisition unit 51 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the new acquisition process.
In the new acquisition process, the control unit 16D selects an input device for inputting position information. The input device for inputting the position information is selected according to the user's selection, and may be any device having an interface connectable to the control unit 16.

  For example, devices for inputting position information include devices such as a keyboard, a numeric keypad, and a touch panel as devices for an operator to directly input position information. In addition, as a device for inputting position information, there is a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone as a device for inputting position information acquired by a GPS function (position detection function). Further, as a device for inputting position information, there is a network terminal device or the like as a device for inputting position information based on map information on a network.

  The control unit 16D receives an input of position information from the input device selected by the position information acquisition unit 51 (step S112). In this state, the control unit 16D acquires the position information input by the input device selected by the position information acquisition unit 51 (step S113), and stores the acquired position information in the memory 51a (step S114).

  For example, in 4th Embodiment, an operator inputs the information which shows the altitude of the installation place of the solar cell 11 with an input device with the geographical position information which shows the setting place of the solar cell 11, and control part 16D is the following. The geographical position information and the information related to the altitude at the set location of the solar cell 11 input by the input device are acquired as position information.

Next, schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the fourth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the fourth embodiment.
In the operation schedule setting process, the control unit 16D determines whether or not a new operation schedule needs to be generated by the schedule generation unit 24 (step S121). For example, the control unit 16D determines that it is not necessary to generate the operation schedule when the generated operation schedule that can be operated is stored in the memory 24a of the schedule generation unit 24. In addition, when the operation schedule that can be operated is not stored, the control unit 16D determines that the operation schedule needs to be generated. In addition, when the installation position of the solar cell 11 is changed, when the calendar reference value DB is updated, or when the operator instructs the resetting of the operation schedule, the control unit 16D performs the operation schedule. It may be determined that it is necessary to generate.

  When the operation schedule is already stored (step S121, NO), the control unit 16D reads the existing operation schedule stored in the memory 24a of the schedule generation unit 24 (step S122). The control unit 16D checks whether there is no abnormality in the read operation schedule (step S123). If there is no abnormality in the read operation schedule (step S123, YES), the schedule generation unit 24 sets the read operation schedule as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S130), and ends the schedule setting process.

  When it is determined that a new schedule is to be generated (step S121, YES), or when it is determined that there is a problem with the existing schedule (step S123, NO), the control unit 16D causes the position information acquisition unit 51 to execute the solar cell 11. The position information acquisition process for acquiring the position information at the installation location is performed (step S124). As the position information acquisition process, the processes shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 described above can be applied.

  When the position information acquisition unit 51 acquires the position information, the control unit 16D reads the reference value information of the calendar information from the calendar reference value DB 23 by the calendar processing unit 52 (step S125). When the reference value information is read from the reference value DB 23, the control unit 16D calculates the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) at the installation location of the solar cell 11 by using the calendar processing unit 52 (step S126).

  After calculating the sunrise time and the sunset time, the control unit 16D causes the calendar processing unit 52 to read the correction value based on the altitude for the reference value information from the altitude DB 53 (step S127). When the correction value based on the altitude is read from the altitude DB 53, the control unit 16D determines a correction value for the altitude at the installation location of the solar cell 11 (step S128). When the correction value according to the altitude is determined, the control unit 16D corrects the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) at the installation location of the solar cell 11 with the correction value according to the altitude (step S129).

  When the calendar information corrected according to the altitude is calculated, the control unit 16D generates a schedule based on the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) corrected according to the altitude by the schedule generating unit 24 (step S130). In the energy management system according to the fourth embodiment, the schedule generation unit 24 further corrects the sunrise time and sunset time based on longitude and latitude according to the altitude of the solar cell installation location, and Generate an operation schedule that turns off the power. When such a schedule is generated, the control unit 16D stores the generated schedule in the memory 24a of the schedule generation unit 24 and sets it as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S131).

  As described above, the system according to the fourth embodiment calculates the sunrise time and the sunset time in consideration of the altitude at which the actual solar cell is installed as well as the longitude and latitude, and the longitude, latitude, and altitude. And a schedule for controlling on / off of power to the converter based on the sunrise time and the sunrise time. Thereby, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the sunrise time and the sunset time based on the altitude as well as the longitude and latitude, and a high-accuracy schedule suitable for the place where the solar cell is installed. It can be generated and efficient operation control becomes possible.

  In addition, the system according to the fourth embodiment can apply the processes described in the first, second, and third embodiments for processes such as operation control and schedule setting processes other than the position information acquisition process. For example, in combination with the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment can set a highly accurate sunrise time and sunset time considering not only longitude and latitude but also altitude, and such sunrise time. And a schedule based on the sunset time can be set. In addition, if the fourth embodiment is implemented in combination with the second embodiment, the power supply to not only the converter but also the control unit itself can be turned on and off according to a schedule based on the highly accurate sunrise time and sunset time. Can be controlled. Furthermore, when the fourth embodiment is implemented in combination with the second embodiment, the time t1 when the solar cell generates effective power for the highly accurate sunrise time and sunset time and the sunset time. In addition, the schedule can be generated based on the power-on time and the power-off time corrected by the time t2 when the power generation amount of the solar cell is not effective.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the fifth embodiment.
The energy management system according to the fifth embodiment includes a solar cell 11, a converter 12, a load 13, a system 14, a power source 15, a control unit 16E, and the like. The solar cell 11, the converter 12, the load 13, the system 14, and the power supply 15 may be the same as those described as the first embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, parts that can be configured with the same components as those in FIG.

  A control unit 16E shown in FIG. 18 is a device that controls the energy management system according to the fifth embodiment. Further, like the control unit 16A shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 16E includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, various memories, various interfaces, and the like, and the processor 16E executes various programs stored in the memory. Can be realized. Further, the control unit 16E may be realized as a function in the converter 12.

  In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 18, the control unit 16E functions as a position information acquisition unit 61, a calendar processing unit 62, a calendar reference value DB 23, an installation environment DB 63, a schedule generation unit 24, a control instruction unit 25, and a clock 26. Have Since the calendar reference value DB 23, the schedule generation unit 24, the control instruction unit 25, and the clock 26 may have the same functions as the configuration shown in FIG. Shall be omitted.

  The position information acquisition unit 61 acquires information related to the installation environment in addition to the latitude information and the longitude information for the installation location of the solar cell 11 (installation location of the panel of the solar cell 11). The information related to the installation environment is information related to an obstacle such as a building or terrain that blocks sunlight from the solar cell 11. As information about the installation environment, information such as the position of the obstacle with respect to the installation location of the solar cell 11 and the size of the obstacle can be considered.

  The calendar processing unit 62 takes into account not only the sunrise time and sunset time at the place where the solar cell 11 is installed, but also the installation environment information for the installation position of the solar cell 11 so that the solar cell 11 can generate power (sunshine). Start time and sunshine end time). That is, the calendar processing unit 62 calculates the sunshine start time and the sunshine end time by correcting the time of sunrise and sunset at the place where the solar battery 11 is installed in consideration of the sunshine state according to the installation environment. By adding information indicating the position and shape of the obstacle, the sunshine start time and sunshine end time at the installation location of the solar cell 11 can be calculated with high accuracy.

  The installation environment DB 63 stores correction values for the sunrise time and sunset time for the installation environment. For example, the installation environment DB 63 stores information for calculating the time during which sunlight is blocked by the position and shape (size such as height) of an obstacle with respect to the installation location of the solar cell 11. In addition, the calendar reference value DB 23 and the installation environment DB 63 may be combined to constitute a database that can obtain the sunshine start time and sunshine end time in consideration of obstacles directly from the longitude and latitude. In this case, the calendar processing unit 62 may read the sunshine start time and the sunshine end time according to the longitude and latitude.

  That is, in an actual installation environment, there are few installation environments without obstacles, and there are few environments in which the horizon or horizon according to altitude can be expected. FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of an installation environment. In the example shown in FIG. 19, a structure such as a nearby building, or a landform such as a forest or a mountain exists as an obstacle that blocks sunlight. In the installation environment as shown in FIG. 19, it is assumed that not only the sunrise time and the sunset time but also the obstacles block sunlight for a certain period of time even in the daytime and become shaded and cannot generate power.

  For this reason, in the system according to the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the obstacle between the solar cell 11 and the sun is taken into consideration, and the orientation and the positional relationship between the solar cell 11 to be installed and the obstacle are Considering the distance, the shape (size) of the obstacle, and the difference in elevation between the solar cell and the obstacle, not only the control according to the sunrise time and sunset time, but also the time when the obstacle blocks the sunlight The sunshine time including the time is calculated with high accuracy to realize efficient operation according to the installation environment.

Next, position information acquisition processing in the energy management system according to the fifth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of position information acquisition processing in the energy management system according to the fifth embodiment.
In the position information acquisition process, the control unit 16E determines whether or not the position information acquisition unit 61 needs to newly acquire position information (longitude, latitude, and installation environment information) (step S141). In the fifth embodiment, it is assumed that the position information includes not only longitude and latitude but also installation environment information (information on obstacles that block sunlight).

  For example, when the position information on the setting location of the solar cell 11 is stored in the memory 51a, the control unit 16E determines that it is not necessary to newly acquire the position information. Moreover, when position information is not preserve | saved, the control part 16E judges that it is necessary to acquire the position information in the installation place of the solar cell 11 newly. Further, when there is a change in the installation location of the solar cell 11 or when the operator instructs to reset the position information, it may be determined that it is necessary to newly acquire the position information. .

  When it is determined that position information is newly acquired (step S141, YES), the control unit 16E performs a process (new acquisition process) in which the position information acquisition unit 61 newly acquires position information (step S142). For example, the position information acquisition unit 61 newly acquires position information at the installation location of the solar cell 11 by a new acquisition process, and stores the acquired position information in the memory 61a. The new acquisition process will be described later in detail.

  When the position information is already stored in the memory 61a (step S141, NO), or when the position information is newly acquired by the new acquisition process, the control unit 16E reads the position information stored in the memory 61a ( Step S143). When the position information is read, the control unit 16E performs an abnormality check process for checking whether or not the read position information is abnormal (step S144). For example, in the abnormality check process, it is checked whether or not the read position information is an appropriate value that falls within a predetermined range.

  When it is determined that there is no abnormality in the read position information (step S144, YES), the control unit 16E sets the read position information as position information at the installation location of the solar cell 11 (step S145). If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the read position information (step S144, NO), the control unit 16E returns to step S122, and the position information acquisition unit 61 acquires new position information newly. Execute.

Next, a process for acquiring new position information by the position information acquiring unit 61 will be described.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the process for acquiring new position information.
In the acquisition process of new position information, the control unit 16E selects an input device for inputting position information (information including geographical position information and information related to a setting environment (obstacle)) (step S151). The input device for inputting the position information only needs to have an interface that can be connected to the control unit 16E.

  For example, devices for inputting position information include devices such as a keyboard, a numeric keypad, and a touch panel as devices for an operator to directly input position information. Further, the device for inputting the position information may be a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone as a device for inputting the position information acquired by the GPS function (position detection function). Further, as a device for inputting position information, there is a network terminal device or the like as a device for inputting position information based on map information on a network.

  The control unit 16E receives position information input from the input device selected by the position information acquisition unit 61 (step S152). In this state, the control unit 16E acquires the position information input by the selected input device by the position information acquisition unit 61 (step S153), and stores the acquired position information in the memory 61a (step S154).

  For example, in the fifth embodiment, the operator includes geographical position information indicating the set location of the solar cell 11 and information related to an obstacle that blocks sunlight to the solar cell 11 (the position and shape of the obstacle). The control unit 16E acquires, as position information, the geographical position information and the information related to the obstacle at the set location of the solar cell 11 input by the input apparatus.

Next, schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the fifth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the fifth embodiment.
In the schedule setting process, the control unit 16E determines whether or not a new operation schedule needs to be generated by the schedule generation unit 24 (step S161). For example, when a generated operation schedule that can be operated is stored in the memory 24a, the control unit 16E determines that generation of the schedule is not necessary. Further, when the operational schedule is not stored, the control unit 16E determines that it is necessary to generate a schedule. In addition, when the installation position of the solar battery 11 is changed, when the calendar reference value DB is updated, or when the operator instructs to reset the operation schedule, the control unit 16E sets the schedule. You may make it judge that it needs to produce | generate.

  When the operation schedule is already stored (step S161, NO), the control unit 16E reads the existing operation schedule stored in the memory 24a of the schedule generation unit 24 (step S162). The control unit 16E checks whether there is no abnormality in the read operation schedule (step S163). If there is no abnormality in the read operation schedule (step S163, YES), the schedule generation unit 24 sets the read operation schedule as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S170), and ends the schedule setting process.

  When it is determined that a schedule is newly generated (step S161, YES), or when it is determined that there is a defect in the existing schedule (step S163, NO), the control unit 16E causes the position information acquisition unit 61 to execute the solar cell 11. The position information acquisition process for acquiring the position information at the installation location is performed (step S164). As the position information acquisition process, the processes shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 described above can be applied.

  When the position information is acquired by the position information acquisition unit 61, the control unit 16E reads the reference value information of the calendar information from the calendar reference value DB 23 by the calendar processing unit 62 (step S165). When the reference value information is read from the reference value DB 23, the control unit 16E calculates the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) at the installation location of the solar cell 11 by the calendar processing unit 62 (step S166).

  After calculating the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time), the control unit 16E reads the information for determining the correction value according to the installation environment for the sunrise time and sunset time from the installation environment DB 63 by the calendar processing unit 62. (Step S167). For example, the information for determining the correction value according to the installation environment includes the correction value for obtaining the sunshine start time and the sunshine end time from the sunrise time and the sunset time according to the position and shape (size) of the obstacle. Information to be calculated.

  When the information for determining the correction value according to the installation environment is read from the installation environment DB 63, the control unit 16 </ b> E is installed based on the information read by the calendar processing unit 62. A correction value for the calendar information corresponding to the position and shape is determined (step S168). When the correction value according to the installation environment is determined, the control unit 16E corrects the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) at the installation location of the solar cell 11 with the correction value according to the installation environment, thereby starting the sunshine start time. And the sunshine end time is calculated (step S129).

  After calculating the sunshine start time and the sunshine end time according to the installation environment, the control unit 16E generates a schedule based on the sunshine start time and the sunshine end time according to the installation environment by the schedule generation unit 24 (step S170). In the energy management system according to the fifth embodiment, the schedule generation unit 24 sets the sunrise time and sunset time based on the longitude and latitude, and the installation environment (the obstacle that blocks sunlight) at the actual solar cell installation location. The operation schedule is generated in such a manner that the power of the converter 12 is turned off. When such a schedule is generated, the control unit 16E stores the generated schedule in the memory 24a of the schedule generation unit 24 and sets it as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S171).

  As described above, the system according to the fifth embodiment calculates the sunshine start time and the sunshine end time based on the actual installation environment of the solar cell as well as the longitude and latitude, and considers the actual installation environment. A schedule for controlling on / off of power to the converter is generated based on the sunshine start time and the sunshine end time. Thereby, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to generate a schedule in consideration of not only the sunrise and sunset times at the installation location of the solar cell but also the time zone where sunlight such as an obstacle is blocked, and the efficiency. Better operational control.

  In the system according to the fifth embodiment, the processes described in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments are the same as the operation control and schedule setting process other than the position information acquisition process. Applicable. For example, when combined with the first embodiment, the fifth embodiment can set a highly accurate sunshine start time and sunshine end time considering not only longitude and latitude but also the installation environment. A schedule for performing power control based on a time zone can be set.

  In addition, if the fifth embodiment is implemented in combination with the second embodiment, it is possible to control on / off of the power supply not only to the converter but also to the control unit itself according to a schedule based on the sunshine hours in consideration of the installation environment. . Furthermore, if the fifth embodiment is implemented in combination with the third embodiment, the solar cell will generate more effective power for the sunshine hours in consideration of the installation environment. In addition, the schedule can be generated based on the power-on time and the power-off time corrected by the time t2 when the power generation amount of the solar cell is not effective.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the sixth embodiment.
The energy management system according to the sixth embodiment includes a solar cell 11, a converter 12, a load 13, a system 14, a power source 15, a control unit 16F, a host system 71, and the like. The solar cell 11, the converter 12, the load 13, the system 14, and the power supply 15 may be the same as those described as the first embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 23, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Like the control unit 16A shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 16F shown in FIG. 23 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, various memories, and various interfaces, and the processor executes a program stored in the memory. Thus, various processes can be realized. Further, the control unit 16E may be realized as a function in the converter 12.

  The host system 71 is configured by a data processing device having a communication function with the control unit 16F. The host system 71 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, various memories, and a computer having various interfaces, and various processes can be realized by the processor executing programs stored in the memory.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 23, the control unit 16F includes a memory 24a, a control instruction unit 25, and a clock 26 as functions, and the host system 71 includes a position information acquisition unit 61 and a calendar processing unit 62 as functions. A calendar reference value DB 23, an installation environment DB 63, and a schedule generation unit 24. In FIG. 23, as functions of the control unit 16F and the host system 71, those having the same functions as those of the components shown in FIG. 17 described in the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed. Such explanation will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the energy management system according to the sixth embodiment realizes part of the functions of the control unit 16E in the energy management system according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. It has a configuration. That is, in the energy management system according to the sixth embodiment, the host system 71 is similar to the position information acquisition unit 61, the calendar processing unit 62, and the schedule generation unit 24 described in the fifth embodiment. Generate a schedule that takes into account the location and installation environment at the installation location. The control unit 16F performs operation control in the energy management system according to the schedule generated by the host system 71.

  The host system 71 acquires position information that takes the installation environment into account in the position information acquisition process shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 described in the fifth embodiment by the position information acquisition unit 61. The host system 71 calculates a sunshine time zone (a sunshine start time and a sunshine end time) as a time zone in which the power generation by the solar battery 11 is effective according to the position information in consideration of the installation environment by the calendar processing unit 62. The host system 71 generates a schedule according to the sunshine time zone as a time zone in which the power generation by the solar cell 11 is effective by the schedule generation unit 24.

  Furthermore, the host system 71 instructs the schedule generated by the schedule generation unit 24 to the control unit 16F on the local side. The control unit 16F receives the schedule instructed from the host system 71, and stores the received schedule in the memory 24a. The control unit 16F performs operation control such as power on / off control for the converter 12 based on the current time measured by the clock 26 and the schedule stored in the memory 24a.

  In the energy management system according to the sixth embodiment as described above, a calendar process for calculating a sunshine time zone in consideration of information such as the direction, distance, size, and height of an obstacle as an installation environment of a solar cell. The schedule is generated on the host system side, and the control unit performs operation control according to the schedule calculated by the host system. As a result, the control unit in the system can reduce the amount of processing such as calendar processing in consideration of the installation environment, the amount of memory used can be reduced, and an inexpensive system can be constructed.

  The system according to the sixth embodiment can also be applied to the configurations described in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments. For example, as described in the sixth embodiment, the system described in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments executes a process for generating a schedule in the host system, and the power source according to the schedule. It can be configured such that control is performed by the control unit.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described.
FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the seventh embodiment.
The energy management system according to the seventh embodiment includes a solar cell 11, a converter 12, a load 13, a system 14, a power source 15, a control unit 16G, a converter 81, a power storage device 82, and the like. The solar cell 11, the converter 12, the load 13, the system 14, and the power supply 15 may be the same as those described as the first embodiment shown in FIG. 24, parts that can be configured with the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. That is, as shown in FIG. 24, the energy management system according to the seventh embodiment has a configuration in which a converter 81 and a power storage device 82 are added to the system described in the first embodiment.

  The power storage device 82 is a storage battery or EV. The power storage device 82 is connected to the power supply 15 and is connected to the system 14 via the converter 81. The power storage device 82 charges and discharges DC power. In this system, the power storage device 82 is also connected to the power supply 15 without going through the converter 81. For this reason, the power storage device 82 can directly supply DC power to the power supply 15. The converter 81 provided between the power storage device 82 and the system 14 is configured by an AC / DC converter because the system 14 inputs and outputs AC power.

  For example, when supplying power to the load 13, the power storage device 82 converts the discharged DC power into AC power by the converter 81 and supplies the AC power to the load 13. Further, when storing power from the grid 14, the power storage device 82 stores the power supplied from the grid 14 via the converter 81. In addition, when storing the power generated by the solar battery 11, the power storage device 82 stores the power supplied via the converter 81.

  The power storage device 82 may be configured to directly input and store DC power generated by a power generation device such as the solar battery 11 (or DC power discharged by another power storage device). That is, in this system, individual power generation devices such as solar cells and power storage devices are supplied to the load 13 in conjunction with alternating current. For example, converters (for example, converters 12 and 81) are directly connected to each other. For example, direct power may be exchanged between the individual power generation devices and the power storage devices. However, as a mode of operation, when a reverse power flow from the power storage device 82 to the grid 14 is not recognized, it is necessary to configure so that the power discharged from the power storage device 82 does not flow back to the grid 14. .

  The control unit 16G is configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU, various memories, various interfaces, and the like, similar to the control unit 16A illustrated in FIG. 1, and various processes are performed by the processor executing programs stored in the memory. Can be realized. Further, the control unit 16G may be realized as a function in the converter 12 or the converter 81.

  In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 24, the control unit 16G includes a position information acquisition unit 21, a calendar processing unit 22, a calendar reference value DB 23, a schedule generation unit 84, a control instruction unit 85, and a clock 26 as functions. The position information acquisition unit 21, the calendar processing unit 22, the calendar reference value DB 23, and the clock 26 may have the same functions as the configuration shown in FIG. The explanation will be omitted.

  The schedule generation unit 84 generates a schedule for turning on / off the power supply to the converter 12 based on the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) similarly to the schedule generation unit 24 described in the first embodiment. In addition, it has a function of generating a schedule for turning on / off the power supply to the converter 81 connected to the power storage device 82. In addition to the solar battery 11 and the power storage device 82, when other power generation devices such as fuel cells or power storage devices such as EVs are connected to the system, devices such as converters connected to these devices are used. In contrast, a schedule for turning on and off the power supply is generated according to the operation time zone of the apparatus.

  In addition to the control function for turning on / off the power supply to the converter 12 according to the schedule, the control instruction unit 85 is connected to the power storage device 82 in the same manner as the control instruction unit 25 described in the first embodiment. It has a control function to turn on / off the power supply to the computer according to the schedule. In addition to the solar cell 11 and the power storage device 82, the control instruction unit 85 also applies to devices such as a converter connected to these devices when devices such as fuel cells are connected to the system. Control power on / off according to schedule.

Next, schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the seventh embodiment will be described.
The energy management system according to the seventh embodiment has a configuration in which the power storage device 82 is added to the system of the first embodiment. Therefore, the schedule for the control unit 16 to control the operation of the system is not charged. A schedule for controlling discharge is added. Note that the processing described in the first embodiment can be applied to processing such as operation control based on the schedule and position information acquisition processing.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation control schedule for the energy management system according to the seventh embodiment.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 25, the solar cell 11 has a power generation time zone set according to the sunrise and sunset times calculated by the calendar process described above, and the power storage device 82 is a time during which the solar cell 11 is not generating power. Charge and discharge in the band. In this case, the control unit 16G sets a schedule such that the power to the converter 81 connected to the power storage device 82 is turned off at the sunrise time and turned on at the sunset time.

  However, in the example illustrated in FIG. 25, an operation mode is assumed in which the time zone in which the power storage device 82 is charged is a time zone in which the power supplied from the grid 14 is low (the midnight power is discounted). For this reason, in the example shown in FIG. 25, the power storage device 82 is scheduled to charge in the midnight time zone of the time zone when the solar cell 11 is not generating power and to discharge in the time zone other than the midnight time zone. Has been.

  Note that the schedule for charging / discharging the power storage device 82 is set as appropriate depending on the operation mode, usage status, and the like. For example, the charging / discharging may be performed while the solar cell 11 is generating power. Even in such a case, the power supply to the converter 81 is also turned off in a time zone in which the power storage device 82 does not charge / discharge (exactly, a time zone in which charging / discharging to the grid 14 is not performed). Can be scheduled.

  In addition, the example shown in FIG. 25 also shows an example of a time zone in which the fuel cell generates power. When the fuel cell is connected to this system, a schedule as shown in FIG. 25 can be set. The fuel cell is also assumed to be connected to the load 13 via a converter. Even in such a case, it is possible to set an operation control schedule such that the power supply to the converter connected to the fuel cell is turned off during the time period when the fuel cell does not generate power.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the seventh embodiment.
In the schedule setting process, the control unit 16G determines whether or not a schedule needs to be newly generated by the schedule generation unit 84 (step S181). For example, when the generated schedule that can be operated is stored in the memory 84a of the schedule generation unit 84, the control unit 16G determines that the generation of the schedule is not necessary. If the operable schedule is not stored, the control unit 16G determines that a schedule needs to be generated. Further, the control unit 16G generates a schedule when the installation position of the solar cell 11 is changed, when the calendar reference value DB is updated, or when an operator instructs to reset the schedule. You may make it judge that it is necessary to do.

  When the schedule is already stored (step S181, NO), the control unit 16G reads the existing schedule stored in the memory 84a of the schedule generation unit 84 (step S182). The control unit 16G checks whether there is any abnormality in the read schedule (step S183). If there is no abnormality in the read schedule (step S183, YES), the schedule generation unit 84 sets the read schedule as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S191), and ends the schedule setting process.

  When it is determined that a new schedule is to be generated (step S181, YES), or when it is determined that there is a problem with the existing schedule (step S183, NO), the control unit 16G causes the position information acquisition unit 21 to execute the solar cell 11. Position information acquisition processing for acquiring position information at the installation location is performed (step S184). As the position information acquisition process, the processes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 described above can be applied.

  When the position information is acquired by the position information acquisition unit 21, the control unit 16G reads the reference value information of the calendar information from the calendar reference value DB 23 by the calendar processing unit 22 (step S185). When the reference value information is read from the reference value DB 23, the control unit 16G calculates the calendar information (sunrise time and sunset time) at the installation location of the solar cell 11 by the calendar processing unit 22 (step S186).

  After calculating the sunrise time and the sunset time, control unit 16G determines the operating time zone of power storage device 82 (step S187). The operation time zone of the power storage device 82 can be set to an arbitrary time zone according to the operation mode or usage status. For example, the operation time zone of the power storage device 82 is determined according to the operation time zone of the solar cell 11 assumed according to the sunrise time and the sunset time. In the example illustrated in FIG. 25, the power storage device 82 is scheduled to operate (operate) during a time period when the solar cell 11 does not generate power, and stop operation during a time period when the solar cell 11 generates power. When the operation time zone of power storage device 82 is determined, control unit 16G also determines the operation time zone for another power generation device such as a fuel cell or another power storage device (step S188).

  When the operation time zone for each power storage device and each power generation device in the system is determined, control unit 16G uses schedule generation unit 84 to generate a schedule for operation control based on the calendar information and the operation time zone of each device (step). S189). For example, the schedule generation unit 84 generates a schedule for turning on / off the power supply to the converter 12 based on the calendar information, and further turns on / off the power supply to the converter 81 based on the operation time zone of the power storage device 82. Generate a schedule. When such a schedule is generated, the control unit 16G stores the schedule generated in the memory 84a of the schedule generation unit 84 and sets it as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S190).

  In the energy management system according to the seventh embodiment as described above, a power storage device that can charge and discharge power, or a power generation device that can generate power other than solar cells, is added to the system, so that the amount of power generated varies. The electric power generated by a certain solar cell can be stored in the power storage device and can be stably supplied to the load 13, and independent operation control is stable even in the event of a power failure (power supply from the grid 14 is stopped). Yes.

In addition, the energy management system itself can be controlled to turn on and off the power supply to each converter by the operation control as described in the first embodiment, so that it is supplied from the grid or the power storage device to the control power supply. Power can be operated efficiently, and the operating time can be extended even during power outages.
The system according to the seventh embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to the configurations described in the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments.

(Eighth embodiment)
Next, an eighth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an energy management system according to the eighth embodiment.
The energy management system according to the eighth embodiment includes a solar cell 11 ′, a converter 12, a load 13, a system 14, a power supply 15, and a control unit 16H. The converter 12, the load 13, the system 14, and the power supply 15 may be the same as those described as the first embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 27, parts that can be configured in the same manner as in FIG.
The solar battery 11 ′ in the energy management system according to the eighth embodiment has a function capable of generating power not only with sunlight but also with moonlight. In such a solar cell 11 ′, not only the time zone in which sunlight is applied to the panel (the time zone from the sunrise time to the sunset time), but also the time in which the panel is irradiated with moonlight having a predetermined light amount or more. The belt is also the power generation time zone.

  The control unit 16H is configured by, for example, a processor such as a CPU, various memories, various interfaces, and the like, similar to the control unit 16A illustrated in FIG. 1, and performs various processes by executing programs stored in the memory by the processor. Can be realized. Further, the control unit 16H may be realized as a function in the converter 12.

  In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 27, the control unit 16H includes a position information acquisition unit 21, a calendar processing unit 92, a calendar reference value DB 93, a schedule generation unit 94, a control instruction unit 25, and a clock 26 as functions. Since the position information acquisition unit 21, the control instruction unit 25, and the clock 26 may have the same function as the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same portions, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The calendar processing unit 92 includes not only the sunrise time and the sunset time at the place where the solar battery 11 ′ is installed, but also information indicating the state of the moon (moonlight) such as the moon departure time, the moon sunset time, and the moon phase. calculate. In addition, the calendar reference value DB 23 stores reference value information for calculating the sunrise time, sunset time, moon phases, moon departure time, and moon sunset time at the installation location of the solar battery 11 ′.

  The calendar reference value DB 23 may store, as reference value information, not only the sunrise time and sunset time but also the moon phase, the moon departure time, and the moon sunset time for each date in the reference location. The installation location is grouped into multiple regions, and the date, sunrise time, sunset time, moon phases, moon departure time, and moon sunset time in each grouped region are used as reference value information. It may be memorized.

  For example, the calendar processing unit 92 calculates the sunrise time and sunset time at the installation location of the solar battery 11 ′ based on the reference value information in the calendar reference value DB 93. Further, the calendar processing unit 92 specifies the state of the moon in the installation location of the solar cell 11 ′ based on the reference value information in the calendar reference value DB 93, and the solar cell 11 ′ generates power in the specified state of the moon. It is determined whether there is a monthly light amount that can be produced. When it is determined that there is a monthly light amount that can be generated by the solar battery 11 ′, the calendar processing unit 92 determines the time when the moon comes out and the time when the moon enters based on the reference value information in the calendar reference value DB 93. Is calculated. Note that the fullness of the moon changes periodically and the amount of change is large every day, so the calendar processing unit 92 calculates calendar information every day.

  The schedule generation unit 94 also turns on / off the power supply to the converter 12 according to the sunrise time, the sunset time, the moon departure time, and the moon sunset time calculated by the calendar processing unit 92. Is generated. The schedule generation unit 94 stores the generated schedule in the memory 94a. Thereby, the control instruction | indication part 25 performs driving | operation control with reference to the schedule memorize | stored in the memory 94a.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of schedule setting processing in the energy management system according to the eighth embodiment.
In the schedule setting process, the control unit 16H determines whether or not a schedule needs to be newly generated by the schedule generation unit 94 (step S201). For example, when a generated schedule that can be operated is stored in the memory 94a, the control unit 16H determines that it is not necessary to generate a schedule. If the operable schedule is not stored, the control unit 16H determines that a schedule needs to be generated. In addition, when the installation position of the solar battery 11 ′ is changed, when the calendar reference value DB is updated, or when the operator instructs to reset the schedule, the control unit 16H sets the schedule. You may make it judge that it needs to produce | generate.

  When the schedule is already stored in the memory 94a (step S201, NO), the control unit 16H reads the existing schedule stored in the memory 94a of the schedule generation unit 94 (step S202). The control unit 16H checks whether there is an abnormality in the read schedule (step S203). If there is no abnormality in the read schedule (step S203, YES), the schedule generation unit 94 sets the read schedule as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S211), and ends the schedule setting process.

  When it is determined that a new schedule is generated (step S201, YES), or when it is determined that there is a problem with the existing schedule (step S203, NO), the control unit 16H causes the position information acquisition unit 21 to execute the solar cell 11. Position information acquisition processing for acquiring position information at the installation location of 'is performed (step S204). As the position information acquisition process, the processes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 described above can be applied.

  When the position information is acquired by the position information acquisition unit 21, the control unit 16H reads the reference value information of the calendar information from the calendar reference value DB 93 by the calendar processing unit 92 (step S205). When the reference value information is read from the reference value DB 92, the control unit 16H calculates the sunrise time and the sunset time as the calendar information at the installation location of the solar cell 11 ′ by the calendar processing unit 92 (step S206).

  When the sunrise time and the sunset time are calculated, the control unit 16H specifies the state of fullness of the moon based on the reference value information by the calendar processing unit 92, and calculates the amount of moon light according to the state of fullness of the moon ( Prediction) (step S207). After calculating the monthly light amount, the control unit 16H determines whether or not the calculated monthly light amount is in a state in which power generation by the solar battery 11 ′ is possible (step S208). If the amount of moon light can be generated (step S208, YES), the control unit 16H uses the calendar processing unit 92 based on the reference value information as the calendar information at the installation location of the solar cell 11 'and the month Is calculated (step S209). If the amount of moon light is not in a state where power generation is possible (step S208, NO), the control unit 16H omits the process of calculating the moon start time and the moon start time.

  When the calculation of the calendar information by the calendar processing unit 92 is completed, the control unit 16G uses the schedule generation unit 94 for operation control based on the sunrise time, the sunset time, the moon departure time, and the month entry time as calendar information. A schedule is generated (step S210). For example, the schedule generation unit 84 generates a schedule for turning on the power supply to the converter 12 at the sunrise time and the moonrise time, and turning off the power supply to the converter 12 at the sunset time and the moon entry time. To do. When such a schedule is generated, the control unit 16H stores the generated schedule in the memory 94a of the schedule generation unit 94 and sets it as a schedule used for actual operation control (step S211).

  The energy management system according to the eighth embodiment as described above has a solar cell that can generate power even with light such as moonlight or night illumination light, and the sunrise time at the place where the solar cell is installed. In addition, on / off of power supply to the converter is controlled based on not only the sunset time but also the moon departure time and the moon sunset time. Thereby, based on not only the sunrise time and the sunset time, but also the moon departure time and the moon sunset time, the system can be efficiently operated in a 24-hour system including nighttime.

In the eighth embodiment, not only the moon start time and moon start time, but also the moon start time and moon start time in a state where the amount of moon light can be generated is determined according to whether the moon is full or not. Therefore, in the state where there is no monthly light quantity that can be generated, it is possible to avoid wasteful operation at night without performing power supply control according to the moon rise and the moon sunset.
The system according to the eighth embodiment can be applied not only to the first embodiment, but also to the configurations described in the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments. .

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11, 11 '... Solar cell, 12 ... Converter, 13 ... Load, 14 ... System | strain, 15 ... Power supply, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, 16G, 16H ... Control part (control apparatus), 21, 51, 61: Position information acquisition unit (information acquisition unit), 21a, 51a, 61a ... Memory, 22, 52, 62, 92 ... Calendar processing unit (history processing unit, correction unit), 23 (23a, 23b), 93 ... history reference value DB, 24, 84, 94 ... schedule generation unit, 24a, 84a, 94a ... memory, 25, 35, 85 ... control instruction unit (control means), 26, 32 ... clock, 31 ... power supply control unit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 ... Time difference setting part (correction means), 53 ... Elevation DB, 63 ... Installation environment DB, 71 ... Upper system (external device), 81 ... Converter (second converter), 82 ... Power storage device.

Claims (14)

In a control device of a system having a solar cell and a converter that converts electric power generated by the solar cell,
Calendar processing means for acquiring calendar information at the installation location of the solar cell;
Control instruction means for controlling on / off of power supply to the converter based on calendar information acquired by the calendar processing means;
Control device. Furthermore, it has power control means for controlling on / off of power supply to the control device based on the calendar information acquired by the calendar processing means.
The control device according to claim 1. Furthermore, it has a correction means for correcting the calendar information acquired by the calendar processing means with a correction value until power generation by the solar cell becomes effective,
The control instruction means controls on / off of power supply to the converter based on the calendar information corrected by the correction means;
The control device according to claim 1 or 2. The correction means corrects the calendar information acquired by the calendar processing means by a time difference until the power generated by the solar cell becomes an effective power amount with respect to the power consumption of the converter,
The control device according to claim 3. The correction means corrects the calendar information acquired by the calendar processing means based on the altitude at the installation location of the solar cell,
The control device according to claim 3. The correction means corrects the calendar information acquired by the calendar processing means based on information about obstacles that block sunlight to the solar cell,
The control device according to claim 3. Furthermore, it has information acquisition means for acquiring information on the position and shape of the obstacle,
The correction means calculates a time zone during which the obstacle blocks sunlight based on the position and shape of the obstacle, and uses the calendar information acquired by the calendar processing means as a time zone during which the obstacle blocks sunlight. Correct based on,
The control device according to claim 6. The calendar processing means obtains calendar information corrected by a correction value until power generation by the solar cell becomes effective from an external device,
The control device according to claim 1 or 2. The calendar processing means obtains calendar information corrected based on information on an obstacle that blocks sunlight to the solar cell from an external device.
The control device according to claim 8. The system further includes a power storage device that supplies power to a power source for the converter.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The system further includes a power storage device and a second converter that converts power charged and discharged by the power storage device,
The control instruction means further controls on / off of power supply to the second converter according to an operation time zone of the power storage device.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The calendar processing means calculates sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moon sunset time as calendar information at the solar cell installation location,
The control instruction means turns on the power supply to the converter at the sunrise and moon departure times calculated by the calendar processing means, and applies the power to the converter at the sunset and moon sunset times calculated by the calendar processing means. Turn off the power supply,
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A solar cell that receives light and generates electric power;
A converter for converting electric power generated by the solar cell;
A control device that acquires calendar information at the installation location of the solar cell and controls on / off of power supply to the converter based on the acquired calendar information;
Energy management system. A solar cell that receives light and generates electric power;
A converter for converting electric power generated by the solar cell;
Calculating the calendar information at the installation location of the solar cell, and generating a schedule for turning on and off the power supply to the converter based on the calculated calendar information;
A control device for controlling on / off of power supply to the converter according to a schedule generated by the host system;
Energy management system.

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